Hale-Ray graduates excited about future

KELLY ANN GORE, Press Staff

Published 12:00 am, Wednesday, June 23, 2010

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The Middletown Press 6.23.10 Dan Licitra gets a congratulatory hug from mom, Jocelyn after graduating from Nathan Hale Ray High School Wednesday evening. To buy a glossy print of this photo and more, visit <a href="http://www.middletownpress.com">www.middletownpress.com</a>. less

The Middletown Press 6.23.10 Dan Licitra gets a congratulatory hug from mom, Jocelyn after graduating from Nathan Hale Ray High School Wednesday evening. To buy a glossy print of this photo and more, visit ... more

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Catherine Avalone

Catherine Avalone

Hale-Ray graduates excited about future

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MOODUS -- Shaded by the trees in front of Nathan Hale-Ray High School Wednesday evening, 109 eager graduates marched through a proud crowd of their families, friends, peers and staff to receive their diplomas.

"They're a great group of young people," said Principal Linda Dadona of the graduating class. "They're very individualistic but the impression they've had on us collectively here at Hale-Ray has been nothing less then spectacular."

As the seniors congregated in the halls and cafeteria of the school before the ceremony, the excitement for the ensuing evening's events was palpable. "It's awesome," said graduate Tyler Clarke. "I'm really excited to go to college. Hale-Ray has definitely prepared me for my future."

"It's really surreal," said class Treasurer Erica Conover while adding the finishing touches to the decorations adorning her mortar board. "It hasn't hit me yet. After being here for so long we're all going our separate ways. It's really exciting."

The bond among the graduating class was spelled out precisely and humorously by Class President Michael Weselcouch as he quoted a popular movie from the past year, before the commencement speaker took the podium.

"I used to consider myself I loner," Weselcouch said. "A one-man wolf pack ... Now I know for sure you're all part of my wolf pack."

He went one to congratulate and thank his fellow classmates for being the best and most supportive wolf pack -- setting the mood for the rest of the night's speakers.

The laughs continued toward the end of the evening when, after receiving his diploma, graduate Keenan Humble fell flat on his face on stage and ripped off his gown to reveal a bikini top and cheer-leading skirt.

Class-elected commencement speaker Bridget Dean spoke of being humbled and honored to get the opportunity to address the class that she had grown with as a teacher. "You have taught me about compassion and empathy," Dean said. "You are the teachers, and I and everyone else are the students."

Board of Education Chairwoman Nancy Haslam, who handed out the diplomas to each graduate, spoke of the night as nostalgic.

"My daughter was in the first class that graduated from the school," she said.

A similar sentiment was felt as each student sang in unison their class song, "Wherever You May Go," by the musical group The Calling. Their voices filled the open space with the lyrics, "If I could, then I would/ I'll go wherever you will go./ Way up high or down low/ I'll go wherever you will go."

The song set the tone for the valedictorian and salutatorian to leave their parting words of wisdom with their friends and peers.

"Courage is sometimes having to say goodbye," said Valedictorian Kaitlyn Hays. "If it were not for my peers, family and this school, I would not have gained such courage."

Hays went on to urge her fellow classmates to aspire to build their future lives on a foundation of courage and to realize that more often then not people are willing to help you succeed rather than point out your faults.

Salutatorian Brittany Ciullo urged her peers to strive for inspiration.

"Your life is as amazing as you want it to be," Ciullo said. "Inspiration is everywhere; we just have to look for it. We have all reached this point together ... so I dare you all to go out into the world ... inspire others ... don't stop thinking about tomorrow ... and most importantly ... don't stop believing."

The night might have been bittersweet for some, but it was the opening of great things to come for all. As graduate Alexis Wilson shared the poem she wrote about graduating, titled, "Final Chapter of High School," the emotions surrounding the future and the appreciation for the past four years were apparent. "Growing up we learn the hard way that things change.../ Although this is the ending of a passage/ it is only the beginning of another."